July 4th is the first official call to summer cookout season, which brings with it a not-so-small dilemma: how to enjoy the celebrations without the bloat and sugar hangover afterward. That’s why for food-focused holidays like this one, we love having a selection of delicious AND nutritious options on hand.
If you want classic flavor without all of the additives, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup, we’ve got the recipes for you! Today we’re sharing 10 of our favorite healthy 4th of July recipes so you can dive into partying worry-free.
The best part? None of these recipes feel like you’re missing out. Each recipe in this roundup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Bring one or two of these with you (or create your own menu if you’re hosting) and prepare to be showered with your crowd’s praise.
All of these recipes can be found right here on our blog or in our cookbook, The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook.
If there are any classic dishes you love that you’d like us to give a Conscious Cleanse makeover, let us know in the comments. We love creating healthified versions of your favorite foods!
Now let’s dive into some of our 4th of July go-tos:
Our Top 10 Healthy 4th of July Recipes
Kombucha Sangria: This cocktail recipe is super easy to make but so delicious that your guests will never guess just how simple it is! It features a lower sugar kombucha base, with the addition of fresh peach slices and raspberries. If you’re someone who wants to have a fruity cocktail but needs something low-sugar, this is the perfect drink for you.
*Jalapeño Cilantro Mezcal Margarita (The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook, pg. 238): If we’re going to indulge in a cocktail, one made from a high-quality 100 percent agave tequila is usually our go-to because it’s the cleanest choice. Here we used mezcal, known for its signature smoky flavor. This cocktail delivers a fiesta of flavor—smoky, tart, and just a little sweet—with a perfect kick of heat from the jalapeño.
Not Your Grandma’s Three Bean Salad: This recipe is a colorful, tasty, and healthy choice to make for your 4th of July BBQ (or even camping!). It’s packed with plant-based protein, takes less than 30 minutes to toss together, and pairs perfectly with grilled dishes.
Consciously Creamy “Potato” Salad: This cleanse-approved spin on the classic uses turnips instead of potatoes. Turnips contain more fiber, vitamin C, and calcium than potatoes, with a texture that makes them a perfect dupe! Add in a delicious creamy and punchy sauce made with avocado, mustard, and lemon juice, and you’ve got yourself one tasty side dish.
*Creamy Vegan Coleslaw (The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook, pg. 90): We’ve never been big fans of traditional coleslaw that’s slathered in mayonnaise, so we knew we wanted to transform this all-American classic. Using cashews to make it creamy, this coleslaw is what nostalgic summertime dreams are made of.
Grilled Veggie and Chicken Kabobs with Honey Thyme Mustard: A 4th of July cookout wouldn’t be the same without kabobs! Our healthy and easy version delivers, without all of the additives and refined sugar found in most marinades.
*Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Free Bbq Sauce (The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook, pg. 137): A cleanse-friendly way to get your BBQ fix! Our tomato-free sauce is also sugar-free and gives a deliciously smoky kick to this healthy spin on a grilled classic. This is on the menu in Jo’s house this year.
*Chocolate Chickpea Ice Cream (The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook, pg. 226): This might seem like an unlikely combo, but chocolate and chickpeas are the perfect match. This rich and creamy dairy-free ice cream will hit the spot with kids and parents alike! As an added bonus, it’s high in protein and fiber, which help keep your blood sugar stable.
Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart: This tart is a show-stopping centerpiece, and tastes so good you’d never believe it’s good for you! It’s the perfect dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free summertime dessert. Fun fact: Jo’s husband came up with this recipe when they were first dating to impress her :)
* = The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook recipe
